TREASURY

Buying Solutions

Angela Eagle: Buying Solutions has been set four performance targets for 2009-10. These are as follows:
	to facilitate at least £850 million value for money improvements (£680 million cashable) for the public sector in 2009-10;
	to achieve an overall customer satisfaction level of above 90 per cent;
	to make a return on capital employed of 6.5 per cent over a five year period (April 2009 to March 2014); and
	to reduce by 5 per cent the ratio of internal costs over value for money improvements with the out-turn for the same ratio in 2008-09 proportionate to cashable savings.

ECOFIN

Alistair Darling: The Economic and Financial Affairs Council will be held in Brussels on 5 May 2009. The following items are on the agenda:
	Economic and financial situation
	The European Commission forecasts to be published on 4 May will form the basis of an exchange of views between Ministers about the economic situation. The UK believes there is a continued need for member states to work together in ensuring a co-ordinated response to the crisis.
	Proposal for a Regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 332/2002
	Following on from the conclusions of the 19-20 March 2009 spring European Council, ECOFIN is expected to reach agreement on the Commission's proposal to amend the regulation establishing a facility providing medium-term financial assistance for member states' balances of payments, including a new lending ceiling of €50 billion for the EU balance of payments facility. The Government strongly support the principle of increased financial assistance from the EU for member states facing balance of payments difficulties.
	Quality and sustainability of public finances
	ECOFIN will be asked to adopt conclusions on the implementation of structural reforms to enhance the sustainability and quality of public finances, and endorse a report on age-related economic and budgetary projections for EU member states. The Government believe in the importance of sustainability and quality of public finances, particularly in the current juncture.
	Five years after EU enlargement
	Following on from discussions at the informal ECOFIN in April, Ministers will adopt a set of conclusions on the economic impacts of the 2004 wave of enlargement. The UK can support the conclusions, which set out the achievements and benefits of the 2004 enlargement, the importance of structural reforms and the need for resisting protectionist policies.
	Dialogue with third countries
	The Commission will update the Council on recent progress made on regulatory dialogues with third countries, in particular the United States, China, Japan and Russia. It will focus on reform of the regulation and supervision of the financial system, within the context of the G20.
	Taxation
	a) Tobacco Directive
	The Council will be asked to reach a political agreement on the tobacco directive, which will set out the structure and rates of excise duties applied on manufactured tobacco products.
	b) Communication on promoting good governance in tax matters
	Following on from the agreements at the G20 London summit on tax havens and OECD standards, the Commission will present a communication setting out aims for improving governance of taxation issues in the EU. The communication also highlights the EU's work on improving tax transparency standards with third countries. The UK believes it is important to ensure that any new suggestions from the Commission complement the existing G20 work.
	General budget of the European Union - preliminary draft budget 2010
	The Commission will present the proposed EC Budget for 2010. This marks the beginning of the 2010 Annual Budget negotiations that will run until December. The UK supports a realistic budget which promotes sound financial management.
	AOB
	The presidency will give an update on the state of play on four financial services dossiers heading for first reading deals with the European Parliament: Solvency II, the e-money directive, the cross-border payments regulation and the regulation on credit rating agencies.

COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Planning Casework Performance

Sadiq Khan: The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 requires the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to set and meet a timetable for the majority of planning cases which are to be decided by her (as opposed to being decided by a planning inspector) and to make a report to Parliament each year on performance. This is intended both to ensure that such cases are dealt with expeditiously and to enable the parties to any particular case to know when they can expect to receive a decision.
	The Secretary of State has accordingly today laid before Parliament an Act Paper reporting on performance on all decisions made between 1 April 2008 and 31 March 2009 to which statutory timetables apply. Such timetables apply to decisions on called-in planning applications; planning appeals recovered for the Secretary of State's decision; other cases "linked" to such decisions (including listed building consent and conservation area consent); and appeals against refusals of consent for works to trees covered by tree preservation orders. They do not apply to cases decided by inspectors (which includes all tree preservation order appeals lodged on or after 1 April 2008) or to cases decided by the Secretary of State jointly with a Minister of another Department.
	During the period from 1 April 2008 to 31 March 2009, 73 (95 per cent.) of the 77 cases decided by the Secretary of State other than tree preservation order appeals were made within their statutory timetables, as were 415 out of 416 decisions (99.75 per cent.) of tree preservation order appeals.

Planning

Margaret Beckett: I am today publishing a consultation on proposals for a new Planning Policy Statement 4: "Planning for Prosperous Economies" (PPS4). Copies of the consultation are being placed in the Library of the House.
	The planning system is a key lever the Government have to contribute towards improving economic performance. The current uncertain economic times have highlighted the need for planning policies at the national, regional and local level to be flexible and responsive so that they support the economic aspirations of our communities, whether in cities, market towns or rural villages.
	In light of this and in keeping with our commitment in our 2007 Planning White Paper and the recommendations of the Killian Pretty review, this comprehensive new draft statement brings together in one place all of the Government's key planning policies relating to the economy and streamlines and simplifies policy to focus on what is important to allow the economy to grow in a sustainable manner.
	The new PPS will, in its final form, replace Planning Policy Guidance Note 4: "Industrial, commercial development and small firms" (PPG4, 1992), Planning Policy Guidance Note 5: "Simplified Planning Zones" (PPG5, 1992), Planning Policy Statement 6: "Planning for town centres" (PPS6, 2005), Planning Policy Statement 7: "Sustainable development in rural areas" (PPS7) (in so far as it relates to economic development) and paragraphs 53, 54 and Annex D of Planning Policy Guidance Note 13: "Transport".
	At the heart of our policy is the requirement that development plans need to have clear, proactive, proportionate and flexible policies aimed at supporting the start up and growth of businesses, attracting inward investment and increasing employment, particularly in deprived areas. It emphasises that we need also to protect existing investment in our cities and towns by safeguarding the town centres which are the bedrock of our economic future. Our urban centres are not only the engine of the country's economy—and through their urban renaissance policy this Government have strengthened the future of many such centres after years of decline—but are also the hub of community life, helping to stitch together communities through cultural, leisure, social and educational facilities.
	The policy statement continues to put town centres first by ensuring that development continues to take place in town centres and promotes their vitality, viability and character. As previously consulted on in draft PPS6, we have removed the "need test" for proposals outside town centres but retained the "sequential test" which requires developers to justify why they cannot build in the centre before they seek to build out of town and strengthened the "impact test" to focus on the potential economic, social and environmental effects of development.
	The revised policy also implements a number of recommendations arising from the review by the hon. Member for Truro and St.Austell (Matthew Taylor) of rural housing and economic development. The Government agree with his key finding that we need a more subtle appreciation of what makes rural communities sustainable, and that rural communities, as much as urban areas, need to plan for change in the face of new economic, environmental and demographic pressures. In bringing together our policies on economic development in town and country into one policy statement we are emphasising in the rural context what is taken for granted in urban contexts: that economic sustainability is a prerequisite for social and environmental sustainability.
	Similarly, we are responding to the thrust of the recommendations made in the advice provided to the Prime Minister by Stuart Burgess, the Rural Advocate. We see both the Rural Advocate's report and the Taylor review as important elements of a growing consensus which recognises the economic opportunities offered by rural areas and the contribution they make to the economy at large.
	The draft statement does not include any specific proposals for a 'competition test' that was recommended by the Competition Commission. In June 2008, Tesco PLC challenged the Commission's recommendation in the Competition Appeal Tribunal. In March 2009, the application by Tesco was allowed and the recommendation quashed. The Tribunal unanimously concluded that the Commission, in its report, had failed properly to consider certain matters which were relevant to its recommendation that the competition test be imposed as part of a package of remedies to address the adverse effect on competition identified by the Commission. The Government will await the Competition Commission's reconsideration of the issue before deciding how to proceed.
	The proposed changes I am setting out today will play a part in facilitating sustainable economic growth in urban and rural areas and ensuring our town centres thrive for years to come. The consultation closes on 28 July 2009.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

General Affairs and External Relations Council

Caroline Flint: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary represented the UK at the General Affairs and External Relations Council in Luxembourg.
	The agenda items covered were as follows:
	General Affairs
	Full details of A points adopted at the General Affairs Council can be found at:
	http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms data/docs/pressdata/en/gena/107418.pdf
	Croatia-Enlargement
	The Council took stock of the progress of accession negotiations with Croatia, focusing on the bilateral territorial dispute between Croatia and Slovenia, with the latter blocking the nine chapters ready for opening or closing. Commissioner Rehn briefed on his efforts to find a solution and set out a compromise proposal, which received widespread support.
	The presidency called on both sides in the border dispute to show political will and a constructive approach in finding a compromise. They stressed the urgency of the issue and hoped that both sides would be able to respond to the Commission's latest proposal by early May. The Government endorse the presidency's approach and support the efforts of Commissioner Rehn to facilitate a mutually acceptable solution to the territorial dispute so that accession negotiations can move forward.
	Employment and Energy Summits
	The presidency briefed on the preparations for the 7 May Employment summit and the Southern Corridor summit on 8 May. The aim of the former summit, which the Government support, is to equip the EU's labour markets for future economic recovery.
	The Southern Corridor summit will follow up the spring European Council's call for diversification of sources and routes of energy supplies demonstrating the EU's strong political support for the development of the Southern Corridor through concrete actions. It will give a strong message that the EU and Southern Corridor partner countries are prepared to enhance their relations, particularly in the energy and transport fields. The Government strongly welcome the summit and the draft joint declaration.
	External Relations
	The full text of Council conclusions (including A points) can be accessed at: http://www.consilium. europa.eu/uedocs/cmsdata/docs/pressdata/en/gena/107419.pdf
	Eastern Partnership Summit
	The presidency requested high-level representation at the summit, arguing that recent political difficulties in Moldova, Ukraine and elsewhere showed that these countries needed greater EU attention.
	European Neighbourhood Policy
	Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner presented the 23 April Commission Communication on the implementation of ENP in 2008, and the accompanying set of ENP country progress reports. There was no discussion.
	Burma
	The presidency announced the adoption of the EU's common position renewing restrictive measures for a further 12 months, which the Government strongly support.
	EU Foreign Ministers also adopted conclusions, which the Government also welcome, expressing concern about the human rights situation; underlining the EU's commitment to promoting political, social and economic reform in Burma-Myanmar; and urging the Government of Burma-Myanmar to engage meaningfully with the UN Secretary General's good offices mission.
	Sri Lanka
	My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary thanked Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner for her positive and active engagement. He announced that he would visit Sri Lanka on 29 April to call for urgent action by the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to avoid further civilian casualties and avert a humanitarian disaster; inside the conflict zone, civilians remained trapped by the fighting; the reported intimidation and killings by the LTTE were completely unacceptable; outside, internally displaced persons desperately needed full access to humanitarian assistance.
	The Council adopted conclusions, based on a UK text, which: noted the LTTE's announcement of a unilateral cease-fire; called for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire to allow safe evacuation of civilians trapped in the conflict zone; welcomed the reported announcement by GoSL of an end to heavy military operations; welcomed the visit of Sir John Holmes, UN Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs; and repeated calls on GoSL to proceed urgently towards an inclusive and peaceful political process.
	Middle East Peace Process (MEPP)
	Discussion focussed on the EU's key messages to the parties. Ministers agreed on the importance of supporting a two-state solution and the integration of the Arab peace initiative, encouraging adherence to road map commitments, in particular on settlements, and urging Israel to open the crossings into Gaza.
	My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary stressed the importance of pursuing our existing policy with more vigour and clarity; our focus should be on action not words.
	The presidency concluded that there was a consensus behind the EU's overriding message of support for a two-state solution. There were no conclusions.
	Migration in the Mediterranean
	This item was added to the agenda at the request of Malta and Italy, following a dispute between the two member states concerning the fate of 140 migrants rescued in nearby waters on 16 April. They expressed concerns about the issue of illegal migration across the Mediterranean, pointing out that it was a problem for the EU as a whole.
	The UK is equally concerned about the increasing flows of illegal migrants through the Mediterranean region, many of whom transit through Libya before reaching Europe. In the last 12 months there have been approximately 34,000 illegal migrants entering Europe by sea on this route. We are working closely with our European partners, in particular Italy and Malta, to develop an effective framework for co-operation on border control with Libya.
	Somalia-Piracy
	This was added at Belgium's request following an attack upon a Belgian-flagged merchant vessel by pirates off the Somali coast on 18 April. Ministers discussed the recent surge in pirate activity off the coast of Somalia, and welcomed the positive action being taken by the EU counter-piracy operation ATALANTA in response.
	EU-US summit follow-up
	Ministers discussed the main issues arising from the recent EU-US summit, in particular Iran and Afghanistan-Pakistan.
	High Representative Solana updated on his contacts with the Iranians following the E3+3's invitation to meet them. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary underlined the need for the EU to adopt a robust approach in support of the US Administration's decision to engage with Iran. Solana agreed that the EU should be ready to act.
	Ministers also adopted conclusions on Iran, which the Government welcome, supporting the new direction of US policy; and calling upon Iran to engage seriously with the international community in order to find a negotiated solution to the nuclear issue which will address its national interests, while noting that the evolution of the EU's relations with Iran will also depend on it.
	On Afghanistan-Pakistan, High Representative Solana said there was a need for the EU to be more creative on Pakistan. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary underlined the importance of a successful EU-Pakistan Summit in June. The Commission noted its contribution of €40 million (£36 million) to the Afghanistan elections.
	Ukraine
	The presidency introduced a discussion of the unstable political situation. There were no conclusions.
	Moldova
	High Representative Solana reported on his visit to Chisinau in the previous week. He said it was important the EU kept engaging with Moldova, through the Eastern Partnership and by negotiating a "New Agreement". Ministers welcomed the efforts of the High Representative, presidency and EU Special Representative in bringing about agreement that the Moldovan Government would enter into a political dialogue with the Opposition, and conduct an inquiry into the human rights abuses that followed the post-election protests. There were no conclusions.
	AOB
	Durban Review Conference
	Some member states expressed concerns about the lack of a co-ordinated EU approach to the Durban review conference. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary encouraged EU engagement in similar fora along with the Africans and others who had supported some of our positions in the negotiations.
	Human Rights and Public Diplomacy
	The Swedish Foreign Minister put forward proposals for publicising the EU's work on human rights. The presidency agreed to refer the issue to officials for further work.
	Swine Influenza
	The Commission debriefed Ministers on actions taken in response to the outbreak of swine influenza in Mexico. An extraordinary meeting of Health Ministers would be held on 30 April in Luxembourg.

JUSTICE

Service Personnel (Inquests)

Bridget Prentice: My right hon. Friend the Minister for the Armed Forces and I wish to make the following statement to the House about the inquests of service personnel who have died overseas. Our sincere condolences go to the families of the 13 service personnel who have lost their lives in service of their country since the last statement, and our thoughts and prayers remain with all the families whose loved ones have died on operations.
	Today, we are announcing the progress that has been made since the Written Ministerial Statement on 2 February 2009, Official Report, column 37WS, with information about the conduct of inquests by the Wiltshire and Swindon and other coroners. This statement gives the position at 27 April.
	The tables which accompany this statement again include information about those cases which involve a board of inquiry or a service inquiry.
	Progress with inquests
	At the time of the last statement, we reported that 220 inquests had been held since June 2006: 206 into the overseas deaths of service personnel and 14 into the deaths of civilians in Iraq whose bodies were repatriated via RAF Brize Norton or RAF Lyneham.
	Since 27 January a further 10 inquests have been held into the deaths of service personnel who died in operations in Iraq or Afghanistan. This makes a total of 230 inquests held since June 2006.
	Since operations commenced in 2001 there have been a total of 254 inquests into the deaths of service personnel who lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan, including four service personnel who died in the UK of their injuries. In two further cases, no formal inquest was held, but the deaths were taken into consideration during inquest proceedings for those who died in the same incident.
	We remain very grateful for the efforts of all the coroners involved in conducting these inquests and unswerving in our support of the independent coronial system.
	Our Departments continue to work closely together, and with the coroners, to review the way in which the system is working and to look for opportunities, prior to the implementation of the coroners' legislation which is currently before Parliament in the Coroners and Justice Bill, to make improvements for the benefit of the bereaved families.
	On 17 March the Government tabled amendments to the Coroners and Justice Bill, which will have the effect of enabling fatal accident inquiries to take place in Scotland into the deaths of service personnel killed on operations overseas. This reflects our commitment to support bereaved service families and will mean that families in Scotland will no longer, in most cases, have to travel to England for inquests.
	Open inquests
	i. Pre-31 March 2007 Fatalities
	The statement in February reported that there was one remaining inquest to be held into a death where the body was repatriated via RAF Brize Norton prior to 31 March 2007—that into the death of Marine Wigley. That remains the position and the inquest will be heard for five days starting on 11 May.
	ii. Post-1 April 2007 Fatalities
	Since October 2007, additional resources have been provided by the Government to ensure that a backlog of inquests will not build up in the Wiltshire and Swindon jurisdiction (since 1 April 2007 fatalities are repatriated via RAF Lyneham). The coroner transfers inquests for service personnel to a coroner closer to the bereaved family, where possible. David Masters retired as the Wiltshire and Swindon coroner on 31 March but his successor, David Ridley, has appointed him as an assistant deputy coroner to ensure that his experience and expertise is retained.
	There are 71 inquests to be concluded into the deaths of service personnel who died in Iraq and Afghanistan whose bodies were repatriated after 1 April 2007 (33 involving deaths in the last six months). Of these, Mr Ridley has retained 38 inquests, while 33 inquests are being conducted by coroners closer to the next-of-kin. Inquest hearing dates have been set in 11 of these cases.
	iii. Inquests into the deaths of service personnel who returned home injured
	There remain three inquests to be held of service personnel who returned home injured and subsequently died of their injuries.
	We shall continue to keep the House informed about progress with the remaining inquests. I have placed tables in the Library of the House which outline the status of all cases and date of death of each case. Copies are also available in the Vote Office and the Printed Paper Office.

WOMEN AND EQUALITY

Equal Treatment Directive (Consultation)

Harriet Harman: We are today beginning a UK consultation on the European Commission proposal for an equal treatment directive. The consultation will end on 28 July 2009. The consultation document seeks views to inform the UK Government's further consideration of a proposed European Commission (EC) directive to prohibit discrimination on the grounds of religion or belief, disability, age and sexual orientation outside the areas of employment and vocational training.
	The UK Government wish to consult in particular on the impact of the draft directive in those areas where their proposals are, or might be, at variance with the current and proposed law, and on the impact of the proposals on individuals, business and others.
	The written consultation is being supplemented by a range of discussions with key stakeholders bilaterally and members of the public through public consultation events.
	The consultation document is being sent to around 300 organisations and will be available on the website of the Government Equalities Office at: www.equalities. gov.uk/international/eu_directive.aspx
	I am also placing copies in the Vote Office and in the Libraries of the House.